Steps to Better Health Social Media Toolkit: High Blood Pressure

What to know

Increase awareness about the steps to better health for people with SCD by sharing the resources below on social media channels such as Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram.

Caring for Common Complications of Sickle Cell Disease: High Blood Pressure

Resources

Sample messages

  • People with sickle cell disease are at greater risk for high blood pressure. High blood pressure increases the workload of the heart, which can lead to complications. Talk to your healthcare provider about how you can prevent or treat high blood pressure. More here: www.cdc.gov/SCD/heart
  • A consistent blood pressure reading over 120/80 can indicate high blood pressure. If you have #SickleCell, high blood pressure can negatively affect your heart and blood vessels, causing further illness. Talk to your healthcare provider about how to treat or prevent high blood pressure: www.cdc.gov/SCD/heart
  • Limiting smoking, drinking less alcohol, and getting at least 7 hours of sleep every night can go a long way if you want to lower your blood pressure. This fact sheet has more suggestions for staying healthy when you're living with sickle cell disease: www.cdc.gov/SCD/heart

Social media videos

Caring for Common Complications of Sickle Cell Disease: High Blood Pressure, see details below.


Caring for Common Complications of Sickle Cell Disease: High Blood Pressure

Know your numbers. Ask your provider about your blood pressure reading at each visit. Keep track of this information and talk to your provider if your blood pressure reading is above 120 / 80 mm Hg. If you have high blood pressure, you can help lower it by doing the following:

  • Be physcially active.
  • Eat healthy.
  • Quit smoking.
  • Limit how much alcohol you drink.
  • Get enough sleep.